Textiles manufacturing needs to become sustainable
Author: G CHANDRASHEKHAR
The textile industry consumes huge quantities of resources such as water, energy and chemicals. Indiscriminate use of these poses a threat to sustainability. Every year, millions of tonnes of clothes are manufactured, worn and discarded. No wonder, globally, the textile industry is known as a big polluter because of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To overcome the environmental and social scrutiny, the textile industry needs to minimise pollution and help advance sustainability. This is where traceability comes in. It is the ability to track and trace the whole life-cycle of textile products - from raw material and final goods to consumption, disposal and recycling, if done. Traceability in supply chain will enhance the industry’s efficiency. It can ensure steady supplies of consistent quality material, help identify and address disruption as well as allow better risk management. Globally, awareness about consuming ‘green’, ‘natural’, ‘biodegradable’, ‘sustainable’ products has been rising. This is so especially after the United Nations in 2015 announced as many as 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030.